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Abstract:

An embedded antenna for facilitating wireless transmission of utility
meter data is disclosed, where in one embodiment an RF antenna is a part
of the faceplate of the utility meter. In another embodiment the utility
meter faceplate is a single-layer or a multi-layer printed circuit board
(PCB) with the RF antenna printed on any desired layer. Such faceplates
may be labeled to be viewable from outside of the meter housing and/or
have openings to accommodate visual access to an output display of the
meter consumption information.

Claims:

1. An electronic device with radio frequency (RF) communication components
integrated therein for achieving improved RF communication capabilities,
said electronic device comprising:an RF communications module configured
to process and relay data signals transmitted and received by said
electronic device;a dielectric substrate forming a casing component for
said electronic device;at least one predefined portion of metallization
layered on said dielectric substrate, said at least one predefined
portion of metallization forming a functional antenna element for said RF
communications module; anda connective element connected to said at least
one predefined portion of metallization for providing an electrical
connection between said functional antenna element and said RF
communications module.

2. An electronic device as in claim 1, further comprising an encasing
portion of dielectric material applied adjacent to said at least one
predefined portion of metallization and said dielectric substrate such
that said dielectric substrate and said encasing portion of dielectric
material encapsulate and protect said at least one predefined portion of
metallization within a dielectric body.

3. A utility meter for monitoring or controlling the distribution of a
utility product or service to a customer, said utility meter
comprising:at least one housing component for protecting selected
electronics and other internal components of a utility meter;a faceplate
attached to the front of said at least one internal housing component,
said faceplate characterized by an inner and an outer surface thereof;
anda patterned radio frequency (RF) antenna formed on a selected surface
of said faceplate, said patterned RF antenna configured to transmit and
receive RF signals from a communications module associated with said
utility meter.

Description:

[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/542,757 filed Oct. 3, 2006 which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/985,267 filed Nov. 10, 2004, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,196,673 issued Mar. 27, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.
No. 10/303,673 filed Nov. 25, 2002 (now abandoned), which claimed benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/333,878 filed Nov. 26,
2001, all entitled "EMBEDDED ANTENNA APPARATUS FOR UTILITY METERING
APPLICATIONS", and all of which are incorporated herein by reference for
all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002]The present subject matter generally concerns an embedded antenna
for use in electronic devices that transmit or receive data signals in a
wireless communications environment. More particularly, the subject
embedded antenna may be used to facilitate communication associated with
utility metering among endpoints and other nodes in a wireless utility
network. In some exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed
technology, an embedded antenna is incorporated into a structural member
of a utility meter. Such a modular embedded antenna apparatus can provide
a plurality of functions, including radio frequency (RF) reception and
radiation, device labeling, and structural support for a utility meter.

[0003]Several types of customer utilities are available at residential and
commercial properties worldwide. Such properties and other locations may
typically be provided with selected utilities (i.e., products or
commodities) such as water, gas, electricity, cable service,
telecommunications, and others. When a selected utility is provided to a
customer load, there is typically some sort of metering hardware that is
available for monitoring the amount of product or service that is
provided to a specific customer load. Utility meters are typically
characterized by some sort of metrology hardware that measures this
consumption information and other related variables.

[0004]Many utility meters also include communications elements that
provide a signal interface between the metrology hardware of a meter and
other devices. Known communications components in some utility meters
include radio frequency (RF) communications devices that can transmit and
receive signaled information between the meter and communications nodes
at other locations in a metering network. A meter with such wireless
communication capabilities may provide an arrangement for remotely
reading consumption data and other information from the meter without
having to manually retrieve this information from a meter.

[0005]Remote data acquisition is only one of many potential applications
that becomes possible due to the development of wireless metering
technology. General monitoring and remote control of meters and other
distribution system points in a utility network may also be available.
With the appropriate interface among metering system components, wireless
services may include remote sensing for sectionalized circuits, fault
location and isolation, and detection of impending system failure.
Wireless technology associated with the present subject matter may also
contribute to commercial information opportunities such as office machine
monitoring, home energy management, vending machine monitoring, or
security and smoke detection.

[0006]RF antennas have typically been incorporated with communications
hardware associated with metering or monitoring devices. Just as with the
location of other utility meter elements, antenna location may be
restricted to the confines of a meter's "black box," typically defined by
a meter's outer cover. Antennas enclosed within a product's housing or
outer casing are often referred to as embedded antennas. Restricted
location may also be due to packaging and performance constraints, or to
stave off the possibility of meter tampering in the field.

[0007]Known utility meters include communications modules within the meter
structure, such that an antenna may often be located on a circuit board
or other internal location. An antenna embedded deep within a metering
device may be subjected to interference from other electronic components,
thus hindering performance characteristics of the antenna. Other known
antennas associated with metering devices may be adhered to the outside
cover of a utility meter. This option poses potential problems because it
is often hard to repeatedly position such an antenna for optimal antenna
radiation. Environmental exposure of an antenna adhered to the exterior
of a metering device may also cause the antenna adhesive to fail, posing
the risk of completely loosing antenna functionality.

[0008]A specific example of a communications module and associated antenna
for use in a utility meter environment is disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. US 2001/0038343 A1 (Meyer et al.) Meyer et
al. discloses an exemplary double-tapered dipole antenna for internal
mounting within a communications module associated with a utility meter.
The internal antenna is not designed with a specific optimized location,
and thus an external antenna may often be required. Furthermore, the lack
of design location for such antenna components still yields a potential
for interference among other components of the communications module and
associated utility meter.

[0009]There are other criteria that may influence antenna design. The
antenna must preferably be positioned such that its ability to radiate
and receive wireless signals is optimized. Optimal performance may be of
particular importance with metering applications, due to possible obscure
meter location, such as in a basement or other lower structural level.
Optimized antenna performance may also provide a wider range of
communications capabilities within a wireless network.

[0010]It is thus desired to provide antenna designs and related features
that offer preferred location and optimized performance characteristics.
It may also be preferred to incorporate such features as labeling
information, structural support, and antenna functionality, in a single
modular antenna apparatus. While various aspects and alternative
embodiments may be known in the field of embedded antenna technology, no
one design has emerged that generally encompasses the above-referenced
characteristics and other desirable features associated with antenna
technology and related wireless metering applications.

SUMMARY

[0011]The present subject matter recognizes and addresses various of the
foregoing shortcomings, and others concerning certain aspects of embedded
antenna technology. Thus, broadly speaking, a principal object of the
presently disclosed technology is improved antenna location and
performance. More particularly, the disclosed antenna technology
preferably facilitates the transmission and receipt of utility
information in a wireless metering network.

[0012]It is another principal object of the disclosed technology to
provide an embedded RF antenna with optimized location to comply with
industry standards and packaging constraints. Location of the subject
embedded antenna also preferably provides optimized performance
characteristics, including antenna gain and energy distribution. It is
preferred that the antenna location is easily and consistently
repeatable, yielding reliable optimized performance.

[0013]Yet another principal object of selected embodiments of the present
subject matter is to provide an embedded antenna apparatus that serves
multiple purposes. An antenna apparatus associated with utility metering
may preferably provide improved RF antenna functionality, meter device
labeling, and structural support for the associated device. Embodiments
of the subject technology that incorporate multiple meter features into a
single modular apparatus preferably reduce part count, assembly time, and
cost associated with production of the antenna apparatus.

[0014]It is a general object of selected embodiments of the subject
embedded antenna technology to provide an embedded antenna module that
does not require incorporation with or attachment to a meter by way of
adhesives or loose connective parts, such as screws, clips, or other
fasteners, that may be easily lost or misplaced in the field.

[0015]Another general object of selected embodiments of the disclosed
technology is to provide an antenna that facilitates remote monitoring,
controlling, and communication among meters and other distribution points
in a customer utility network. Customer utilities may include services,
products or commodities associated with gas, water, electricity, cable
service, telecommunications, and others.

[0016]Yet another object of the disclosed technology is to provide an
embedded antenna design that incorporates selected of the aforementioned
preferred antenna features into a design that is cost effective,
efficient, and reliable.

[0017]Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are
set forth in, or will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
from, the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that modifications and
variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed
features and components hereof may be practiced in various embodiments
and uses of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof, by virtue of present reference thereto. Such variations may
include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means and
features, or materials for those shown, referenced, or discussed, and the
functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts,
features, or the like.

[0018]Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as
well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may
include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed
features or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of
features or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or
stated in the detailed description). A first exemplary embodiment of the
present subject matter relates to a meter faceplate for positioning
relative to an external surface of a utility meter. Such a meter
faceplate may include a body of dielectric material, a patterned radio
frequency (RF) antenna, and an electrical connection. The body of
dielectric material preferably provides an integral portion of a utility
meter and is characterized by inner and outer surfaces thereof. The
patterned RF antenna is formed on the inner surface of the body of
dielectric material and is configured to transmit and receive RF signals
associated with a communications module of the utility meter. The
electrical connection is then between such communications module and the
RF antenna. The patterned RF antenna may correspond to layers of foil
metallization which may be configured, for example, in two generally
symmetrical portions extending from the base electrical connection to
form a dipole antenna.

[0019]Another exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed technology
corresponds to an electronic device with an embedded antenna apparatus
for radiating and receiving RF signals. The electronic device preferably
includes a communications module configured to process and relay the RF
signals. A dielectric substrate forms a casing component for the
electronic device and at least one portion of metallization may be formed
on the dielectric substrate for forming a functional antenna element for
the electronic device. A connective element connects the metallization
portion(s) to the communications module.

[0020]Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter
corresponds to a utility meter for monitoring or controlling the
distribution of a utility product or service to a customer, such as but
not limited to water, gas, electricity, cable, or telecommunications. The
utility meter preferably includes at least one housing component, a
faceplate, and a patterned RF antenna. The at least one housing component
protects selected electronics and other internal components of the
utility meter, while the faceplate may be attached to the front of the
housing component. The patterned RF antenna is formed on a selected
surface of the faceplate and is configured to transmit and receive RF
signals from a communications module associated with the utility meter.
The RF antenna may be positioned within the utility meter such that its
primary plane of polarization is substantially vertical, and the antenna
may relay RF signals at selected frequencies in a range from 900 MHz to 3
MHz.

[0021]Additional exemplary embodiments of the subject embedded antenna
technology may comprise selected of the aforementioned embodiments in
combination with additional features or parts. One particular such
embodiment may incorporate functional labeling onto the body of
dielectric material or structural member. Functional labeling may
preferably provide detailed information to a customer concerning product
specifications or potential hazard warnings. In a utility meter
environment, the labeling may offer information about the utility, the
meter, the customer, and necessary warning information. This labeling
information may be provided by a variety of conventional application
methods.

[0022]Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not
necessarily expressed in this summarized section, may include and
incorporate various combinations of aspects of features or parts
referenced in the summarized objectives above, and/or features or parts
as otherwise discussed in this application.

[0023]Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the
features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the
remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]A full and enabling description of the presently disclosed
technology, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary
skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0025]FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary embedded antenna module for use in
selected electronic devices in accordance with the present subject
matter;

[0027]FIGS. 2A and 2B correspond to an exemplary embodiment of an embedded
antenna apparatus in accordance with the present subject matter, wherein
FIG. 2A provides a generally rear view of the exemplary embodiment, and
wherein FIG. 2B provides a generally front view of the exemplary
embodiment;

[0028]FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary utility meter, featuring an
embedded antenna apparatus in accordance with the disclosed technology
combined with other internal structural members, providing an inner
housing for the electronics and other internal components of such a
utility meter;

[0029]FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary utility meter such as that
illustrated in FIG. 3A, featuring an outer cover for enclosing all
internal mechanical structures and electronic components associated with
such a utility meter;

[0030]FIGS. 4A and 4B correspond to a further exemplary embodiment of an
embedded antenna apparatus in accordance with the present subject matter,
wherein FIG. 4A provides a generally front view of the exemplary
embodiment, and wherein FIG. 4B provides a generally rear view of the
exemplary embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 5 illustrates a further exemplary utility meter, featuring an
embedded antenna apparatus in accordance with the disclosed technology
combined with other structural members for providing a comprehensive
housing for the electronics and other internal components-of such a
utility meter;

[0032]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary communications network as
utilized in conjunction with the receipt and radiation of RF signals in
accordance with the subject embedded antenna technology; and

[0033]FIG. 7 illustrates a utility meter and its main components, as
mounted on a wall.

[0034]Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present
specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same or
analogous features or elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035]As referenced in the Brief Summary of the Invention section, the
present subject matter is directed towards an embedded antenna for use in
electronic devices that transmit or receive data signals in a wireless
communications environment. More particularly, the subject embedded
antenna may be used to facilitate communication associated with utility
metering among endpoints and other nodes in a wireless utility network.

[0036]There are several functional features presented herein that may be
incorporated into exemplary embodiments of the subject technology. A
necessary functional feature of all embodiments of the subject technology
is an RF antenna used to radiate and/or receive remote signals associated
with the exemplary device. Another functional feature relates to the
incorporation of an embedded antenna into a casing feature or structural
member of an exemplary electronic device. Yet another functional feature
associated with selected embodiments of the present subject matter
relates to the labeling of important information associated with an
exemplary device. Several exemplary embodiments presented herein
correspond to modular embedded antenna apparatuses that provide a
plurality of functions, including radio frequency (RF) reception and
radiation, device labeling, and structural support for a utility meter.
However, it should be appreciated that other embodiments of the subject
technology may include variations of respective such features as well as
varied combinations of such functional features. It should also be
appreciated that such combinations may be utilized in a utility metering
environment as well as in other environments utilizing some form of
wireless communications without departing from the scope of the present
technology.

[0037]General exemplary embodiments of the subject embedded antenna
modules are first presented in accordance with FIGS. 1A and 1B.
Additional exemplary embodiments of an embedded antenna apparatus are
presented in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, and 4B. Exemplary utility meters with
embedded antenna apparatuses in accordance with the subject technology
are displayed in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5, and discussed with further detail
herein. FIG. 6 presents an exemplary nodal communications network as a
potential environment for utilization of aspects of the disclosed antenna
technology and related antenna performance capabilities.

[0038]It should be noted that each of the exemplary embodiments presented
and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of the present
subject matter. Features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of another embodiment
to yield yet further embodiments. Additionally, certain features may be
interchanged with similar devices or features not expressly mentioned
which perform the same or similar function.

[0039]Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred
embodiments of the subject embedded antenna technology. Referring now to
the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B generally display aspects of functional
features that may be incorporated into selected embodiments of the
present technology. A first functional feature is the provision of an
antenna module that facilitates the receipt and radiation of RF signals
associated with a given electronic device. An example of such an antenna
feature is displayed in FIG. 1A, in which a metallic foil antenna
embodied by portions 12, 14, and 16 is formed on a substrate 10. This
exemplary metallic foil antenna is a dipole antenna formed by two
symmetrical portions 12 and 14, and joined by a connective element 16.
More specific details relating to the formation and associated
performance of such an antenna will be presented with reference to
additional figures. This type of antenna may be employed with any type of
wireless application, including wireless metering.

[0040]Since it is preferred that the antenna foil pattern 12 and 14 be
applied to a dielectric material constituting the substrate 10, it may
also be preferred to include on the dielectric material a label or
etching that provides certain selected information to a user. Types of
information that might be included within an exemplary module of the
present subject matter are presented in FIG. 1B. Device information 18
may be presented to provide particular operating specifications for the
electronic device that the antenna is used in conjunction with warning
information 20 may be provided to convey any risks or hazards associated
with use or misuse of the subject electronic device. Customer information
22 may be provided when the identification of a customer offers some
particular function, such as in customer utility applications. In an
environment such as utility metering, device information 18 may then
correspond to particular information about the associated metering
device. In such an environment, selected utility information 24 may also
be provided in accordance with appropriate device labeling functionality.

[0041]A particular exemplary embodiment of the subject embedded antenna
technology in a utility metering environment is illustrated in FIGS. 2A
and 2B. The metering environment may correspond to the distribution of
customer utility products such as water, electricity, gas, cable,
telecommunications, and others. This exemplary embodiment 40 preferably
combines functional features such as RF antenna operation, device
labeling, and structural support into a single modular apparatus. FIG. 2A
illustrates a generally rear view of exemplary embodiment 40, and FIG. 2B
illustrates a generally front view. It should hereafter be understood
that a generally front view corresponds to a view facing towards a meter
and corresponding components when the meter is attached to a wall or
other fixed surface. The wall or fixed surface extends in a generally
vertical fashion above the ground such that a mounted meter face is
generally parallel to the fixed surface, and thus also oriented in a
generally vertical fashion.

[0042]Embedded antenna apparatus 40 is preferably incorporated into a
utility meter such as in FIG. 3A. Embodiment 40 thus provides a sort of
internal faceplate for the meter. A first internal housing component 42
preferably attaches to baseplate 46 and offers protection for selected
electronics and other internal components of a meter. Additional internal
components are preferably protected by a second housing component 44,
which attaches to the first housing component 42 and offers additional
internal structural stability to the meter. Antenna module 40 preferably
attaches to the front of the second inner housing 44. In preferred
embodiments of the subject matter, antenna module 40 snaps into the inner
cover 44 and is secured without the need for additional adhesive or loose
fasteners such as clips, screws, or the like.

[0043]Module 40 preferably includes at least one male connector and at
least one female connector for attaching module 40 to inner casing 44. In
the exemplary embodiments displayed in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3A, tabs 38
preferably extend from the rear of apparatus 40 and fit into slots
provided at the front of inner casing 44. Ridges 36 may also preferably
be formed into apparatus 40 such that connective extensions 41 can be
snapped over module 40 to fasten the apparatus in a secure yet removable
fashion. Once the antenna apparatus 40 is fit and snapped into place, it
may preferably offer additional support to the overall meter structure.
It is desirable in some embodiments of the present technology to have
such a specific method and location for fastening module 40 such that an
associated antenna is in a fixed location, thus offering consistent and
repeatable performance characteristics.

[0044]Once the embedded antenna module is secured with the other internal
meter components, such as in FIG. 3A, an outer cover 48 is preferably
fitted over the internal components such as in FIG. 3B. Outer cover 48
preferably has a transparent front panel 50 such that any labeling or
display functions of the meter are clearly visible. Antenna apparatus 40
is thus at an ideal location at the front of an enclosed meter. This is a
relatively unencumbered location very near the periphery of the device,
thus providing a very preferable location for optimum antenna
functionality.

[0045]Now referring again to FIG. 2A, portion 26 of exemplary antenna
apparatus 40 comprises a dielectric substrate formed in a shape that may
be generally similar to but slightly smaller than the front faceplate
portion of a meter. An example of the type of dielectric material used to
form substrate 26 is a fiberglass epoxy material such as FR4. A
nonconductive material may preferably be chosen such that the potential
for antenna interference is minimized and the antenna's radiation
capabilities are maximized.

[0046]The substrate 26 may include a plurality of openings such that other
components, specifically display features associated with a utility
meter, may be visible at the front of the meter. A generally rectangular
opening 34 is preferably provided for visual access to a segmented LCD
display that provides typical metering consumption information and other
displayed output relative to meter operation. A smaller circular opening
32 may preferably be provided for visual access to an LED that provides
output such as consumption rate, KYZ output, or other associated
variables.

[0047]The embedded antenna feature of the present subject matter is then
formed onto a selected location on the rear of substrate 26. The antenna
feature preferably corresponds to a metallic foil pattern 28 that is
appropriately shaped to form a radio frequency antenna. The metallic foil
pattern 28 may be adhered to, etched onto, or inked onto the substrate in
accordance with known techniques. Examples of the metallization used to
form foil antenna 28 include copper, palladium, silver, an alloy formed
by combining selected of the above metals, or other appropriate
conductive substances. Once the metallization pattern 28 is formed onto
substrate 26, another layer of dielectric material may then optionally be
applied over the antenna such that it is encapsulated and protected
within a dielectric body.

[0048]The antenna shape and dimension is preferably chosen to optimize
radiation characteristics. Appropriate antenna patterns may, for example,
correspond to the formation of patch, slot or dipole antenna
configurations. The exemplary antenna 28 of FIG. 2A corresponds to a
half-wave slanted dipole configuration with optimal shape and
corresponding dimensions. Once the associated utility meter is mounted to
its vertical location, the antenna is oriented in a final position such
that its primary plane of polarization is generally vertical. A connector
30 is provided at the base junction of the dipole antenna arms, to which
an appropriate interface is provided to form an electrical connection
from the antenna 28 to an RF communications module within the meter. Such
a communications module may correspond to an RF transmitter and/or
receiver that relays selected information associated with the meter.

[0049]Although the electrical interface between the antenna and a
communications module is not specifically shown in the drawings, it
should be appreciated that this conductive wire extension may also be
incorporated into exemplary embodiments of an embedded antenna apparatus.

[0050]RF antenna 28 is preferably characterized by optimal performance
characteristics. Exemplary antenna embodiments provide isotropic antenna
gain of generally greater than about 2 dBi, Such exemplary embodiments
may also be characterized by a return loss of better than -10 dB at about
917 MHz, and a bandwidth generally greater than about 8 percent with the
-10 dB return loss bandwidth. Antenna radiation associated with the
exemplary antenna configuration of FIG. 2A is such that a generally
uniform, cardioidal radiation pattern is effected. The main radiation
lobe is preferably in the direction of the front face of the meter (or
other electronic device) with an associated peak elevation level
generally between 0 and 45 degrees.

[0051]Another functional feature that may be incorporated with antenna
apparatus 40 is the provision of device labeling, such as shown in FIG.
2B. Labeled information corresponding to a utility meter (especially an
electric utility meter) may include such elements as utility name, bar
code, customer number, meter serial number, meter class, service type,
operating voltage range, socket type, meter form, recorder type, or other
information specific to a customer, the utility, or meter and associated
manufacturer. Another important type of information that may be displayed
via the antenna apparatus is information 24 relating to potential hazards
or danger associated with the device. For example, FIG. 2B displays a
"DANGER" label and two icons representative of a general hazard and a
shock hazard, respectively. Labeled information may preferably be placed
onto substrate 26 by a separate stick-on label adhered to the substrate.
Alternatively, the information may be directly inked onto or etched into
the dielectric substrate 26. By choosing the same method to form the
metal foil antenna pattern as to form the labeled information, production
time and cost associated with exemplary antenna module embodiments may be
reduced.

[0052]Another exemplary embodiment of an embedded antenna apparatus in
accordance with the disclosed technology and in the context of a utility
metering environment is represented in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5. FIGS. 4A and
4B display an exemplary meter faceplate 52 that is preferably used in
combination with other casing features 60 (such as in FIG. 5) to form an
outer cover for a utility meter or other electronic device. The meter
faceplate preferably comprises a dielectric material with an appropriate
thickness such that sufficient strength and protection is provided for
internal meter components while ensuring that optimal antenna radiation
is attained. As displayed in FIG. 4A, additional features may also be
incorporated into the antenna apparatus, such as internal active
components, buttons to interface with internal meter features, etc. RF
antenna pattern 56 is preferably positioned and applied to the rear side
of the module 52, similar to the method described in reference to FIG.
2A.

[0053]The subject RF antenna is an integral aspect of the wireless
communications capabilities of a utility meter or other electronic device
to which the antenna is interfaced. A meter or other device with RF
receiver and/or transmitter functionality may often be referred to as an
endpoint in a nodal wireless network. An exemplary representation of a
nodal network that may be utilized in' accordance with RF communications
in a utility network is presented in FIG. 6. This communications system
is presented merely as an example of the type of environment that the RF
antenna might operate in, and should in no way limit the potential for
other realms of antenna utilization.

[0054]In the exemplary communications network of FIG. 6, system controller
62 controls and communicates with a plurality of cell masters (CMs) 64,
which in turn communicate with a plurality of micro cell controllers
(MCCs) 66, which in turn communicate with a plurality of end-point
devices (EPDs) 68. In a utility environment, each EPD 68 preferably
monitors and controls the distribution of some utility product or
service, such as electricity, gas, water, cable, telecommunication, etc.
Consumption data is determined by basic metrology circuitry associated
with the end-point device, and an MCC 66 then preferably collects and
manages this consumption data from hundreds of endpoints. Communication
among MCCs 66 and EPDs 68 may typically correspond to relatively low
power spread spectrum radio communication within a local area network.
Exemplary frequencies of operation for this one-or two-way communication
may be anywhere from about 900 MHZ to about 3 GHz, wherein an actual
specific frequency range of operation is chosen that complies with FCC
regulations and specific system constraints.

[0055]An MCC 66 may then preferably forward selected consumption data and
other information to a cellmaster 64 by means of a wireless wide area
network. A cellmaster 64 may also communicate with other remote devices
in a wireless utility network such as voltage regulators, capacitor bank
controllers, line reclosers, sectionalizers, or other electronic devices
that are interfaced with the wireless network via remote radio modules. A
system controller 62 then preferably corresponds to the central node in a
communications network and essentially controls the operation of all
other networked components in a utility system.

[0056]The number of devices 64, 66, and 68 that are displayed in FIG. 6 is
only presented as an example. In actuality, there may preferably be many
more nodal components in the network. For instance, the total number of
EPDs 68 in the system may typically correspond to the number of utility
meters (e.g., thousands) in a designated service area. MCCs 66 and CMs 64
are preferably positioned within a given proximity to a certain number of
EPDs to facilitate the communication chain among components. The antenna
apparatus of the present subject matter is preferably capable of
incorporation with any of the nodal components in a communications
network. The subject matter should not be limited to use with a meter or
other end-point-device.

[0057]The actual communication among system components is preferably by
way of wireless radio frequency (RF) signals. However, even in such
"wireless" embodiments, portions of the communications line among system
components need not also be wireless. It should be appreciated that other
forms of communications links may be utilized in accordance with the
subject technology, such as leased lines, wireless modems, or hard-wired
networks of coaxial cable, optical fiber, or other transmission media.
Each node is preferably capable of two-way communication, and thus able
to both transmit and receive signaled information from other
communication nodes in the utility network. Transmitted signals may
correspond to such information as consumption data and end-point status.
Received signals may include information such as instructions for
operation.

[0058]FIG. 7 illustrates a utility meter and its main components, as
mounted on a surface 708 substantially perpendicular to the ground 706;
for example a wall. As illustrated, the patterned RF antenna 10 is
printed on the printed circuit board 40 which is positioned such that its
primary plane of polarization is in a substantially vertical direction
whenever the utility meter is mounted to a surface that is substantially
perpendicular to a horizontal surface such as the ground. In this Figure
the embedded antenna apparatus 40 is positioned adjacent to the front
portion 714 of the meter and is in communication with other internal
meter components 716, which includes an embedded communication module.

[0059]While the present subject matter has been described in detail with
respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that
those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the
foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and
equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present
disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the
subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications,
variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.